State court delays decision on Muslim veil issue

2:02 PM,
May 12, 2009

Written by

CHRIS CHRISTOFF
FREE PRESS LANSING BUREAU CHIEF

The Michigan Supreme Court delayed a decision today on whether to give judges broad authority over how witnesses can dress in court, including Muslim women who wear head coverings as part of their faith.

The proposed rule was prompted by a Muslim woman who spoke to the court today.

In 2006, Ginnnah Muhammad, 45, of Detroit was ordered by a Hamtramck district judge to either remove her niqab - a Muslim veil and scarf that covers all but the eyes - or have her case against a car rental company dismissed. Judge Paul Paruk said he needed to see Muhammad's face to gauge her truthfulness. ...